Today we’d like to introduce you to David Garcia.
Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a performing musician for over 30 years now. Started playing at 16, performing at 18, making money at it at 19, and now I’m 50 and things are better than ever. Came up working in and around San Diego, and I’ve since relocated to Temecula wine country, where there’s just an abundance of work, to the point where I was able to leave my job 5 years ago and focus strictly on music. Hundreds of studio sessions, thousands of shows… I work mostly in a substitute capacity, filling-in with other bands and artists around Southern California, which is perfect for me because I get to work with so many different people and play different styles. Definitely keeps me from ever getting bored, and presents some fun challenges.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Scheduling can be the biggest challenge. I’m often already booked when I get a call to do a date with someone else. My other big challenge is often learning a body of material I’m not familiar with on short notice, but I’ll take the stress of that over an office deadline any day of the week. I’ve had to learn to prioritize and schedule dedicated time to nothing but studying. It can mean passing on social engagements quite often, but this is the line of work I chose and that’s the sacrifice that comes with it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a career bass player, I’m often allowed a lot of creative freedom to express myself through my playing. Sometimes not so much, but you have to go with what the artist wants. Same with playing live. Sometimes I can cut loose and be myself, others I need to stay in the pocket and just support the artist without drawing attention to myself. I think I have a pretty healthy balance.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
If I’m not playing, I’m cooking. I love being creative. If there isn’t a bass in my hand, there’s a cooking utensil of some kind. My brain never stops, so I need to be doing something creative to fill my time. Whether that’s cooking, playing, or maybe even some creative writing. The worst is at night, because my brain wakes up when the sun goes down. My best ideas come when I’m supposed to be sleeping. Some idea will pop up just as I’m about to fall asleep and I have to sit up and jot it down to work on for the next day, or I have to get up and do it right away. It’s a good thing I don’t have to get up and punch a clock in the morning!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/feedthebassplayer
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedthebassplayer
